Torpedo enabling system



Feb. 23, 1965 A H, D. NoRvlEL.

TORPEDO ENABLING SYSTEM Filed Nov. 2, 1961 @n J vm INVENToR m V. R 0 N Q .m E W E H United States Patent 3,170,431 TORPEDO ENABLING SYSTEM Herbert D. Norviel, Bilierica, Mass., assigner, by mesne assignments, to the United States of America as repre-l sented bythe Secretary of the Navy Filed Nov. 2, 1961, Ser. No. 149,786 2 Claims. (Cl. 114-23) This invention relates to torpedoes, and more particularly, to safety devices for torpedo control systems.

The use of acoustic homing torpedoes is well known in the art. After tiring from the launching vessel, the torpedo is guided by acoustic vibrations to the target vessel and destroys it. The torpedoes, on which the presently described enabling system operates, may be of several types powered by electricity or steam turbine. The torpedo is generally provided with gyroscopic, azimuth, and hydrostatic control mechanisms which guide it to the area occupied by the target craft (as determined by the fire control system of the launching vessel). When the torpedo has traveled a predetermined distance under gyro control, it becomes acoustically enabled and initiates a search course under `acoustic and combined acoustic-hydrostatic depth control. Should the torpedo come into the acoustic influence of the target craft, it, then, enters into pursuit course and homes until the target is hit.

This torpedo is usually a passive acoustic homing type; that is, it distinguishes and analyzes acoustic vibrations emitted by the target vessel through processing systems which are known in the art, and, from this information, actuates steering equipment to direct itself towards the target. The torpedo is generally equipped with two sets of rudders, one to steer it horizontally and the other, called elevators, to steer it vertically. An enabling circuit, driven by the propulsion motor, provides gyro control under preset stratum conditions in order to guide the torpedo to the vicinity of the target. Hydrophones in the fore portion of the torpedo check the underwater noises created by the target craft and convert them into electrical impulses, which are ampliiied and integrated by an electronic system in such a manner as to control the position of the elevators and the rudders, causing the torpedo to steer towards the target.

In general, the operation of the torpedo after tiring can be divided into several distinct conditions of operation. During the first phase or gyro run the torpedo proceeds under gyro, pendulum, and hydrostatic depth controls at a preset angle, While in this operating condition, the torpedo is electrically deafened to all sounds which might be picked up by its hydrophones. When the torpedo has traveled the preset enabling range, the acoustic circuits are electrically energized vand it then proceeds on a circular search course at a iixed running depth until it detects a target, at which time the iinal acoustic homing portion of the run occurs.

Prior to launch, the torpedo enters its warm-up phase during which time it is provided with an external power source which prepares certain internal elements for operation. This external power source heats the filaments of the electronic components and starts the gyro motor. At this point, the gyro-controlled torpedo run angle may be externally preset by a servo system incorporated in the torpedo. The enabling range, after which the torpedo will be armed, and running under acoustic control, is set by an enabling device which in effect counts the revolutions of the torpedo propeller and determines the distance that the torpedo will travel under gyro control prior to acoustic enablement. These features `are incorporated to allow a minimum safe distance of gyro run for the safety of the launching vessel, and to insure that 3,179,431 Patented Feb. 23, 1965 ICC the torpedo will have sutlcient acoustic search time after enablement to attack the target vessel. .In this way, it is assured that the torpedo will not turn, homeY upon, and attack its launching vessel.

As the torpedo is launched from the tube, a control cable supplying its warm-up current, is automatically cut and the torpedo then proceeds under its own internal battery power. If the gyro should tumble, or if the rudder should stay on one side, causing the torpedo to circle, an anticircling run control will operate to stop the propulsion motor permanently. launching vessel to be safe from attack, the torpedo is provided with a hydrostratum control which allows it to operate only within a predetermined depth stratum. Should the torpedo leave this predetermined stratum, it will be deafened acoustically and disarmed.

The operation of the torpedo may be divided into several phases, each of which requires a safety or enabling circuit to prevent accidental discharge. These phases of operation may be designated as the warm-up condition,

when electrical current is externally applied to internal electronic components. Next comes the firing phase, at which time the tiring circuit is activated, launching the torpedo into the water. The enablement period for gyro control is the next phase of operation, when the torpedo runs towards its target under gyro control alone without acoustical aid. And nally, the acoustic enablement period when the torpedo is activated and controlled by the acoustic control system. At this time, the armed torpedo will home upon its target. For torpedoes of this type, it is imperative for a fail-safe control system to be provided to assure that each phase of operation will proceed without danger of premature detonation.

It is an object of this invention, therefore, to provide a control system which will assure that should the torpedo fail to perform correctly when tired, the launching vessel will be safe from attack or premature detonation by the defective weapon.

It is another object of this invention, therefore, to provide a control device which will prevent the torpedo from prematurely exploding. v

It is a further object of this invention to provide a safety system whereby 'the torpedo cannot be fired with out completing its warm-up phase.

It is a further object of this invention to provide a control system which cannot be iired. in an acoustically enabled condition.

it is still another object of this invention to provide a control system whereby the exploder circuit cannot arm before acoustical enablement.

Other objects and a full understanding of the invention may be had by referring to the following description` and claims, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which: v

FIGURE l shows a passive acoustic torpedo in which the present invention is incorporated.

FIGURE 2 is a diagrammatic representation of the circuits, connections, and conventional relays comprisvessel. Cable 18 entering the shell 12 through receptacle' 2) is designed to transmit Warm-up current to the torpedo prior to itsring.

In order for they Referring now to FIGURE 2, external battery 22, outside of the torpedo, is connected through switch 24 and cable 18 to switch A of start relay 26. Switch A, in turn, is connected to electronic heating elements 28, to the torpedos power supply 30, and to test switch 32. Switch 32 is coupled through switch C of the enabler relay 34 to gyro motor 36, to anticircling run relay 38, and to gyro relay 40. The electronic heater elements 28 and power supply 30 are part of the conventional electrical and electronic system in an acoustic torpedo. Electronic heater elements 23 are components such as vacuum tube laments (not shown) which require a period of warm-up before the tube is in operating condition. The power supply 30 consists of a vibrator unit (not shown) and associated elements which converts direct current to alternating for use in the torpedos electrical and electronic system. Test switch 32 is manually `opened when testing the electronic elements of the torpedo prior to tiring, Test switch 32 is positioned on the skin of the torpedo l@ and operated by a screwdriver slot while the torpedo is undergoing deck test prior to its positioning in the launching tube. However when the torpedo is placed in the tube for launch the switch 32 is connected through cable 1S to a location outside of the torpedo and there actuated. Gyro motor 36 is of the conventional type used to direct a torpedos course, while anticircling run relay 38 is connected and enables a conventional anticircling run device (not shown) which will shut down the torpedo lil if it should turn more than a predetermined angle (here 135 degrees). Relays in the torpedo are of the conventional type and circuitry known in the art.

When the torpedo is placed in the tiring tube (not shown) in preparation for firing, warm-up switch 24 and test switch 32, now actuated from the outside of the torpedo 10, are closed, allowing current to flow through the above-mentioned elements preparing the electronic system and gyro motor for operation. The warm-up period, which may vary in time, is required to stabilize the electronic units and to bring the gyro up to full speed before the torpedo is launched. Internal battery 44, within the torpedo, is connected to switches E and F of start relay 26 and also to switch H of enabler relay 34. Switch E is connected to the main motor 48; thus when switch E is thrown main motor 43 begins to operate. Switch F is connected through switch G to the acoustic homing system. Thus when switches F and G are connected current will ilow from the internal battery 44 through switch F and through switch G to the acoustical system of the torpedo. Battery 44 is also connected through tire button 42 and switch D of gyro relay 40' to the tire relay 46, which, in turn, is connected to start relay 26 and to unlatch relay t) that on activation uncages the gyro. Start relay 26 and unlatch relay 50, in turn, are connected to switch F of start relay 26. Anticircling run relay 3S is short circuited yby switch B of unlatch relay 5t), hence, making the anticircling run relay inoperative until switch B is open.

Start relay 26 is so arranged that when unactuated, switch A is closed and switches E and F are open. Actuation causes switch A to open and switches E and F to close. When enabler relay 34 is unactuated, switch C is closed and switch H is open. Upon actuation, switch C opens and switch H locks closed and will not reopen. Gyro relay 40 operates to open switches G and D when the relay is not actuated, and to close them when actuated, Fire relay 46, when actuated by current from switch D, energizes and switches actuation current to unlatch relay 50 and to start relay 26. When switch F is closed, it supplies actuating current to hold in the start relay 26 and the unlatch relay 5t). The torpedos propulsion plant, main motor 48, is connected through switch E to internal battery 44, as is enabler cam 62 of enabler device 52. Contact 64 is connected to switch H of enabler relay 34 and through hydrostratum switch 54 to exploder plug 55.

Fire button 42, when closed to tire the torpedo lil, automatically transfers the warm-up circuitry and all other components to the internal battery 44 and supplies current to main motor 48. At this point, cable 13 is severed and the torpedo is discharged from the tiring tube (not shown). Button 42 is connected through internal battery 44 to switch E of starting relay 26, to electronic heaters 28, power supply 3G), test switch 32, switch C of enabler relay 34, gyro motor 36, anticircling run relay 3S, and gyro relay 4G. In addition, the lire relay 46 is connected and closed through gyro relay switch D and in turn is connected and lcloses the start relay 26, which connects the internal battery 44 to the main motor 48, starting it. The unlatch relay 50, also actuated by the tire relay 46, unlatches the gyro 3e on the Vtorpedo heading at the moment of tiring. This relay also removes the short circuit from the anticircling run relay 38 at this time, allowing the anticircling run device (not shown) to operate.

While the torpedo l@ is running under gyro control, enabler cam 52, which has been preset, begins to turn. Enabler cam 52 concentrically mounted on shaft 60 is driven through a mechanical drive (not shown) connected to main motor 48 and is designed to actuate enabler relay 34 when the torpedo hastraveled a preset distance. Start relay switch F locks-in the internal battery 44 to the start relay and to the unlatch relay 5G. Through gyro rclay 4t?, switch G supplies a sterilizingvoltage to the acoustic panel. This sterilizing voltage actuates circuitry (not shown) to deafen the torpedo during the gyro controlled phase of operation and prevents the acoustic panel from controlling the torpedos run. Actuation of the start relay 26 opens switch A and closes switch E, thereby supplying current from internal battery 44 to the warm-up circuit (previously described).

At this time, the enabler device 52 is driven very slowly through a reduction gear train mechanical drive (not shown) by the main motor 48 and is adapted such that the enabler device 52 contacts are open until the end of the enablement period. For this reason, no part of the enablement system is dependent upon contact circuit continuity of the enabler cam. Enabler device 52 is comprised of electrically insulative disc 5S, concentrically mounted on shaft 60, which is driven by a mechanical drive (not shown) coupled to main motor 4S. Cam 62, electrically connected to the internal battery 44, is flush with the surface of disc 58. Contact 64 is held in contact with disc 53 in such a way that upon rotation of the disc, it will contact cam 62, thus, connecting the internal battery 44 to enabler relay 34, activating it. Prior to firing the torpedo lil, contact 64 is positioned upon disc 53 in such a manner that slow rotation of hte disc, driven by motor 48, will cause contact 64 to touch cam 62, allowing current from internal battery 44 to flow to enabler relay 34.

Thus, as may be seen during the gyro run, contact 64 touches only disc 58. Only at the time of acoustic enablement does contact 64 complete electrical connection with cam o2. When contact is made, enabler relay 34 actuates locking swdtch H which directly connects relay 34 with internal battery 44, thus, bypassing enabler device 52. Hence, vibration or shock encountered during the gyro run, which might vibrate contact 64, will not affect the electrical system. Once contact is rnade, enabler device 52 cuts itself out of the circuit. Therefore, malfunction of this device has little chance of interfering with the proper performance of the torpedo.

When the enabler disc 58 has rotated in accordance with the present enabler time, the enabler cam contacts are closed thereby allowing actuation of the connected enabler relay 34, the coupled hydrostratum switch 54, which is connected to the exploder plug 56. Connection of current to exploder plug 56 arms the torpedo allowing it to explode on striking the target. The hydrostraturn switch 54 will prevent arming of exploder plug 56 if the torpedo is not in the predetermined depth stratum. Actuation of the enabler relay 34 opens switch C which removes power from the gyro relay 40, the anticircling inoperative. The removal of power from the gyrorelay 40 opens gyro relay switch G, which removes the sterilizling voltage from the acoustic steering system (not shown) thus, actuating it. Switch H on the enabler relay 34 pulls it closed regardless of failure or intermittent operation of the enabler device contacts for the remainder of the torpedos run under acoustic control. Once the period of gyro control has ceased, the torpedo may not be disarmed by the enabler cam.

Thus, the present invention accomplishes the following objectives:

The torpedo cannot be tired with the test switch 32 in the test position. The fire circuit to activate the fire relay 46 is completed through a set of safety contacts on the gyro relay 40. This circuit cannot be closed unless the gyro relay 40 is activated, and the gyro relay cannot be activated if the test switch 32 is in the test position.

The torpedo cannot be tired during warm-up. The gyro relay 40 controls actuation of the lire circuit and is actuated only by putting the torpedo in warm-up condition.

The torpedo cannot be tired in an acoustically enabled condition. Actuation of the enabler device 52 removes power from the gyro relay 40 thereby preventing actuation ofthe fire circuit.

The enabler circuit is locked-in following enablement. Actuation of the enabler device 52 contacts at the end of the enablement period locks in the enabler relay 34 and assures that it will remain closed regardless of any malfunctioning of the enabler' device S2 or enabler cam contacts after enablement.

The exploder circuit cannot arm during test procedures. Since the exploder circuit is activated only by actuation of the enabler relay 34 at the end of the enablement period, the enabler relay cannot close with the test swdtch 32 in the test position (all circuits are sterile), even if the enabler device 34 contacts are manually closed.

The exploder circuit cannot arm before acoustic enablement. Due to the factors necessary for the actuation of the enabler relay 34, the exploder circuit cannot arm during the warm-up period. It cannot arm when the torpedo is lired nor prior to acoustic-enablement. The exploder circuit can be activated only when the enabler relay 34 is initially actuated by the enabler cam device 52 at the end of the enablement run (600 to 3,100 yards).

The correct functioning of the torpedo enabling system during the enablement is no longer dependent upon continued operation of the enabler cam contacts. It is not necessary that the enabler cam maintain a continuous electrical contact. It is only necessary that the enabler cam finally close an electric circuit.

Thus, as may be readily seen through all phases of operation from warm-up to acoustic enablement, the torpedo has been protected from premature tiring and malfunction by the present invention.

Although we have described this invention vwith a certain degree of particularity, it is understood that the present disclosure has been made only by way of example and the numerous changes in detail and construction of the combination and arrangements of parts may be resorted to without departing from the spirit and the scope of the invention as hereinafter claimed.

What is claimed is: A,

1. An acoustic homing torpedo adapted to have various electrical components therein energized, while the torpedo is in a launching tube and during a warm-up period of operation, by a warm-up circuit contained within said torpedo and connected through a control cable extending to the torpedo from an externally-located warm-up switch and battery, said torpedo comprising, in combination:

(a) an internal battery;

. 6 (b) a fire button; (c) a gyro relay having normally-open switch means; (d) a re relay; (e) a start relay having normally-closed switch means,

rst normally-open switch means, second normallyopen switch means, and being connected to said tire relay for energization upon operation of said tire (i) said gyro relay being connected for energization upon closure of said warm-up switch, whereby said gyro relay normally-open switch means closes only upon initiation of said warm-up period;

(j) said internal battery, tire button, gyro relay normally-open switch means and lire relay being seriesconnected, whereby said fire relay becomes energized upon operation of said re button provided said warm-up switch has rst been closed;

(k) said start relay being connected to said ire relay for start relay energization upon operation of said tire relay as a result of re button operation following warm-up switch closure, said start relay having a hold-in circuit including said start relay second normally-open switch means;

(l) said warm-up circuit also'being connected through said start relay first normally-open switch means to said internal battery;

(m) energization of said start relay, upon operation of said tire button following closure of said Warrnup switch, effecting switch-over of warm-up circuit energization from said external battery to said upon operation of said fire button provided said warm-up switch has rst been closed. 2. A torpedo as defined in claim 1, further comprising,

in combination:

(o) a test switch contained within said torpedo but controllable externally; and

(p) said test switch being connected in the gyro relay energization circuit, whereby said test switch, when open, renders said torpedo capablel of subjection to tests but inoperative to be red, and whereby said test switch, when cloesd, renders said torpedo capable of being tired upon operation of said tire button following closure of said warm-up switch.

References Citedr by the Examiner UNITED STATES PATENTS BENJAMIN A. BORCHELT, Primary Examiner.

KATHLEEN CLAFFY, SAMUEL FEINBERG,

Examiners. 

1. AN ACOUSTIC HOMING TORPEDO ADAPTED TO HAVE VARIOUS ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS THEREIN ENERGIZED, WHILE THE TORPEDO IS IN A LUNCHING TUBE AND DURING A WARM-UP PERIOD OF OPERATION, BY A WARM-UP CIRCUIT CONTAINED WITHIN SAID TORPEDO AND CONNECTED THROUGH A CONTROL CABLE EXTENDING TO THE TORPEDO FROM AN EXTERNALLY-LOCATED WARM-UP SWITCH AND BATTERY, SAID TORPEDO COMPRISING, IN COMBINATION: (A) AN INTERNAL BATTERY; (B) A FIRE BUTTON; (C) A GYRO RELAY HAVING NORMALLY-OPEN SWITCH MEANS; (D) A FIRE RELAY; (E) A STAR RELAY HAVING NORMALLY-CLOSED SWITCH MEANS, FIRST NORMALLY-OPEN SWITCH MEANS, SECOND NORMALLYOPEN SWITCH MEANS, AND BEING CONNECTED TO SAID FIRE RELAY FOR ENERGIZATION UPON OPERATION OF SAID FIRE RELAY; (F) A MAIN MOTOR FOR TORPEDO PROPULSION; (G) MEANS OPERATIVE FOLLOWING ENERGIZATION OF SAID MAIN MOTOR AND RESULTANT FORWARD MOVEMENT OF SAID TORPEDO TO SERVE SAID CONTROL CABLE; (H) SAID WARM-UP CIRCUIT INCLUDING SAID START RELAY NORMALLY-CLOSED SWITCH MEANS; (I) SAID GYRO RELAY BEING CONNECTED FOR ENERGIZATION UPON CLOSURE OF SAID WARM-UP SWITCH, WHEREBY SAID GYRO RELAY NORMALLY-OPEN SWITCH MEANS CLOSES ONLY UPON INITIATION OF SAID WARM-UP PERIOD; (J) SAID INTERNAL BATTERY, FIRE BUTTON, GYRO RELAY NORMALLY-OPEN SWITCH MEANS AND FIRE RELAY BEING SERIESCONNECTED, WHEREBY SAID FIRE RELAY BECOMES ENERGIZED UPON OPERATION OF SAID FIRE BUTTON PROVIDED SAID WARM-UP SWITCH HAS FIRST BEEN CLOSED; (K) SAID START RELAY BEING CONNECTED TO SAID FIRE RELAY FOR START RELAY ENERGIZATION UPON OPERATION OF SAID FIRE RELAY AS A RESULT OF FIRE BUTTON OPERATION FOLLOWING WARM-UP SWITCH CLOSURE, SAID START RELAY HAVING A HOLD-UP CIRCUIT INCLUDING SAID START RELAY SECOND NORMALLY-OPEN SWITCH MEANS; (L) SAID WARM-UP CIRCUIT ALSO BEING CONNECTED THROUGH SAID START RELAY FIRST NORMALLY-OPEN SWITCH MEANS TO SAID INTERNAL BATTERY; (M) ENERGIZATION OF SAID START RELAY, UPON OPERATION OF SAID FIRE BUTTON FOLLOWING CLOSURE OF SAID WARMUP SWITCH, EFFECTING SWITCH-OVER OF WARM-UP CIRCUIT ENERGIZATION FROM SAID EXTERNAL BATTERY TO SAID INTERNAL BATTERY; AND (N) SAID INTERNAL BATTERY, START RELAY NORMALLY-OPEN SWITCH MEANS AND SAID MAIN MOTOR BEING SERIESCONNECTED, WHEREBY SAID MAIN MOTOR STARTS TO TURN UPON OPERATION OF SAID FIRE BUTTON PROVIDED SAID WARM-UP SWTICH HAS FIRST BEEN CLOSED. 